23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (2024)

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (1)

It might be time to say goodbye to Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus, especially if you’re trying to lower your monthly costs. You’d be surprised how quickly all those services can add up and match your cable bill, especially in 2024 with all the constant price increases. It can be challenging, with so many new shows and movies rolling out each week. Luckily, you can keep your spending in check and still get your TV and cinema fixed—plenty of places online to legally stream movies and TV shows for free. The quality of shows and movies has also greatly improved since the pandemic, as more folks are looking for cheaper alternatives as paid streaming services continue to skyrocket.

Websites with free movies and TV:

  • Hoopla
  • Amazon Freevee
  • Movies Found Online
  • Popcornflix
  • Internet Archive
  • Kanopy
  • Plex
  • Pluto TV
  • Crackle
  • Top Documentary Films
  • Tubi
  • Yidio
  • YouTube
  • The Roku Channel
  • Peaco*ck
  • Midnight Pulp
  • Vudu
  • Xumo
  • Filmzie
  • Redbox
  • Crunchyroll
  • Fawesome
  • The CW

Editor’s note: We will update this list as more free movie options appear online.

Hoopla

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (2)

Many people don’t know their local library card can get them more than books. If your local library supports it, you can also gain access to a couple of different services that let you watch free movies online, and Hoopla is one of them. Hoopla features many free movies and TV shows online and through its mobile app.

Beyond movies, Hoopla also has tons of eBooks, comics, music, and audiobooks to become your one-stop entertainment shop. Just keep in mind that Hoopla works kind of like a standard library, so you will only be able to borrow a certain number of movies, TV shows, or books, and you have a set time to finish them before you have to check them out again (if another patron hasn’t already checked them out).

Content

E-books, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and music albums

Accessibility

Accessible through participating libraries with a library card

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices

Key Features

- Borrow up to 20 titles per month - No ads or commercial interruptions - Download titles for offline use - Automatic returns, no late fees

Amazon Freevee

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (3)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) is one of the best websites for movie lovers to catch up on all sorts of movie and celebrity-related content. It offers local movie showtimes and ticketing, trailers, movie critic and user reviews, personalized recommendations, and even a robust library of free movies online. The service comes bundled together with Amazon Prime memberships, too.

It features fun family favorites and many cult classics. Whatever mood you are in, Amazon Freevee has something for you.

Content

TV shows, movies, original programming, live channels

Accessibility

Free with ads, available on Amazon devices and other platforms

Supported Devices

Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, gaming consoles

Key Features

- Free access to a range of TV shows, movies, and original content - Integrated with Amazon Prime Video for ease of access - Personalized recommendations - Live channel streaming

Movies Found Online

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (4)

The name says it all. Movies Found Online doesn’t host its content; instead, it embeds free movies and videos from other sites into one location. Nearly everything on this website is independently made, and the selection includes narrative features, documentaries, and even short films. The website has a somewhat limited library compared to other sites on this list, but if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you might find something on Movies Found Online.

Just be sure to keep your ad blocker on; Movies Found Online is prone to pop-ups here and there.

Content

Independent films, documentaries, TV shows, short films, stand-up comedy, viral videos

Accessibility

Free, available online without an account

Supported Devices

Web browsers on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices

Key Features

- Curated collection of free content - No subscription required - Variety of genres and formats

Popcornflix

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (5)

Popcornflix

Popcornflix is a straightforward video streaming service that allows you to watch free movies online. It hosts tons of films, TV shows, and documentaries. The service has been around for nearly a decade, but the library seems to have recently moved towards B-movies. It features a well-organized directory to quickly peruse the various genres you are interested in, including new arrivals, foreign films, and even Popcornflix originals.

Content

Movies, TV series, documentaries, and original programming

Accessibility

Free with ads

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and gaming consoles

Key Features

- Full-length movies and TV shows - Regularly updated content - No subscription or sign-up required - Curated genre-based movie channels

Internet Archive

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (6)

The Internet Archive is a little bit of an oddball in this list. Not only can you stream thousands of hours of free movies online, but you are also free to download nearly everything on the website. Users upload all the content on the Internet Archive or fall within the public domain. Most feature films are over 70 years old, but it’s the place for classic detective, sci-fi, horror, and silent movies.

Content

Books, texts, audio recordings, videos, images, web pages, and software

Accessibility

Free, with some resources requiring account registration

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers

Key Features

- Wayback Machine archives historical web pages - Provides digital versions of books and documents - Hosts public domain and Creative Commons media - Offers access to rare and historical materials

Kanopy

Like Hoopla, a library card is all you need to start with Kanopy. We can’t guarantee that every library supports it, but Kanopy is a treasure trove of free movies online if yours does. You may also access Kanopy’s library through your school or university.

You can access Kanopy online or through the service’s mobile app; there are more movies than you hope to watch. Kanopy’s movie selection is top-notch, featuring award-winning films from studios like A24.

Content

Documentaries, classic films, international cinema, educational videos, and children's content

Accessibility

Accessible through participating libraries and universities with a library card or institutional login

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV

Key Features

- Access to Criterion Collection and Great Courses - Curated educational content - Parental controls for children's programming - Ad-free streaming

Plex

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (8)

Plex is a valuable tool for people who want to access their personal media library from anywhere in the world. But that’s not all it does. Plex now has its own online ad-support media library, so users can watch many free movies online without having their collection.

This selection of free content fits seamlessly within the existing Plex interface so that you can access it from the app or a browser. Whether you’re already a longtime Plex user or you’ve never even heard of it, this new movie selection is worth a look.

Content

Movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, live TV, news, personal media

Accessibility

Accessible with optional paid subscription for premium features

Supported Devices

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, web browsers

Key Features

- Access to a wide range of ad-supported free content - Organize personal media libraries - Stream live TV channels - Plex Pass subscription for additional features (e.g., offline downloads, enhanced metadata)

Pluto TV

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (9)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

One itch most streaming services don’t scratch is the need to channel surf like you can on cable television. That’s where Pluto TV comes in. Pluto TV features tons of free movies, TV shows, and cartoons online and through the Pluto TV app, but it presents them in a way that’s more akin to classic cable.

Pluto TV has a section where you can stream content on-demand, but it also features more than 250 channels that you can tune in to watch at previously scheduled times. Naturally, that comes with a few downsides, but if you are looking for a new one-to-one replacement for your existing cable service, Pluto TV has you covered.

Content

Live TV channels, movies, TV shows, news, and sports

Accessibility

Free (ad-supported)

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, gaming consoles

Key Features

- Over 250 live TV channels - Thousands of on-demand movies and shows - No subscription or sign-up required - Easy-to-use channel guide

Crackle

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (10)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

The Crackle streaming service feels like it has been around forever. It is one of the staples for budget-minded movie lovers looking for free online content. Like most other services on this list, it’s ad-supported, but Crackle’s library is more robust than others, and it is available in your web browser and through various smart TV and mobile apps. Whether you like watching your movies on your TV, computer, or smartphone, Crackle is there waiting for you to give it a shot.

Content

Movies, TV shows, original content

Accessibility

Free (ad-supported), available in the U.S. and certain regions

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, etc.)

Key Features

- Free streaming with ads - Original series and films - Curated collections and recommendations

Top Documentary Films

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (11)

Are you in the mood for a documentary? Top Documentary Films has you covered. Whether you are looking for a film on human health, environmentalism, or outer space, there’s something here for you. It features some of the best documentary movies you can find online, covering a vast selection of topics, and it’s all completely free.

Some movies are only a few minutes long, while others are as long as any classic movie. You can find something on Top Documentary Films, whether you have only 15 minutes or a few hours.

Content

Documentaries across various categories, such as politics, science, society, health, history, and more

Accessibility

Free to access, no subscription required

Supported Devices

Web browsers on desktop and mobile devices

Key Features

- Curated collection of documentaries - Categorized by topic - Includes user ratings and reviews - Links to external hosting platforms

Tubi

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (12)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Tubi TV has been around since 2014, and since then, the service has become one of the highest-quality free movie streaming services online. What’s excellent about Tubi is that it offers some of the best films on this list.

It also boasts various genres you won’t find on many other free services like LGBTQ, home and garden, reality TV, and musicals. It also has many hand-curated collections, so if you have difficulty finding what you want to watch, Tubi will help you narrow it down. There’s also a growing number of exclusive movies on Tubi.

Content

Movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Tubi Originals

Accessibility

Free, with ads

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, streaming devices (e.g., Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast), gaming consoles (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation)

Key Features

- Extensive library of over 45,000 titles - No subscription or sign-up required - Personalized recommendations - Parental controls available

Yidio

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (13)

Like Movies Found Online, Yidio doesn’t host its content. Instead, it aggregates online movies and TV shows from paid and free services into one easy-to-navigate UI. Because of that, Yidio’s library looks massive.

You can watch free movies directly from the website and browse content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. So, if you have at least one of these streaming services, you should try Yidio.

Content

Movies, TV shows

Accessibility

Free account available; Premium version offers an ad-free experience

Supported Devices

Web browsers, Android, iOS, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku

Key Features

- Aggregates streaming services into a single platform - Personalized recommendations based on your interests - Advanced filtering options - Notifications when new episodes or movies become available

YouTube

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (14)

YouTube is chock-full of content creators, vloggers, and even original content. However, people might not know that YouTube also offers a library of movies and TV shows beyond YouTube Originals. Within that online library, there is an entire selection of movies you can watch for free.

Though YouTube’s free movie library isn’t the largest on this list, it contains horror films, comedies, action flicks, dramas, and even children’s movies. So, the next time you check out the Android Authority YouTube channel, scout out YouTube’s free movie library.

Content

Videos (entertainment, educational, tutorials, vlogs, etc.), live streams, shorts, and podcasts

Accessibility

Accessible with ads or via a paid subscription (YouTube Premium) that removes ads and offers other features

Supported Devices

Web browsers, Android, iOS, smart TVs, streaming devices (e.g., Roku), and gaming consoles

Key Features

- Upload, share, and stream videos - YouTube Premium: ad-free, offline downloads, background play, YouTube Music - YouTube Shorts: quick, vertical videos - Live streaming - Community posts and engagement tools

The Roku Channel

The Roku Channel offers free movies, TV shows, and Live TV access. There is no subscription fee; you can watch the free titles available on the service through your Roku device, other streaming devices, or even a web browser. The service even has a few exclusive new movies you won’t find anywhere else.

Content

Free movies, TV shows, live TV, and premium channels

Accessibility

Free with ads; Premium channels available with subscription

Supported Devices

Roku streaming players, Roku TVs, mobile apps (Android, iOS), web browsers

Key Features

- Free on-demand movies and TV shows - Live TV streaming - Customizable channel guide - Family-friendly features

Peaco*ck

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (16)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Peaco*ck is a streaming service run by NBCUniversal. The platform lets you watch around 13,000 hours of content for free, including feature films and TV shows like This is Us, Law and Order: SVU, and more. The only caveat is that you must watch some ads while binging for free.

Content

TV shows, movies, live sports, news, and original programming

Accessibility

Free (with ads) or Paid (ad-free premium plans)

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, etc.)

Key Features

- Free tier with limited content - Paid tiers for expanded content access - Live streaming of select sports and news channels - Download content for offline viewing (premium)

Midnight Pulp

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (17)

Midnight Pulp

Midnight Pulp has taken over the former CONtv platform, offering a unique mix of live TV shows and movies. This service caters to fans of unconventional genres, featuring a robust lineup of horror, quirky comedies, action-packed thrillers, and Asian cinema.

While some of Midnight Pulp’s content is behind a subscription paywall, a substantial selection is available for free viewing. This platform is ideal for those with a taste for the eclectic and the extraordinary in their entertainment choices.

Content

Cult movies, horror, anime, Asian cinema, grindhouse, and other genre entertainment

Accessibility

Free (ad-supported) or premium subscription plan (ad-free)

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Key Features

- Extensive library of niche genre content - Curated recommendations - Premium plan for ad-free viewing

Vudu

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (18)

Vudu

Vudu is mainly known as a place to rent or buy digital movies and TV shows. However, it also has many films and TV series you can watch for free, with ads. Best of all, if you like a movie you watch for free, you can always purchase it so you can watch it without ads and not have to worry about it disappearing from the free library.

Content

Movies, TV shows (including rentals and purchases)

Accessibility

Free to sign up, includes a mix of free and paid content

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV

Key Features

- Free content with ads (Movies On Us) - Rent or purchase movies/TV shows - UHD (4K) available - Support for Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio

Xumo

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (19)

Xumo

Xumo is owned by Comcast, which also owns Peaco*ck. Xumo has several older and more recent movies to watch, although most are not as high profile or have as high review scores as you can find on Peaco*ck. However, Xumo does have a small number of exclusive films to watch.

Content

Live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows

Accessibility

Free with ads

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, etc.)

Key Features

- 250+ live channels - On-demand movies and TV shows - Personalized recommendations - No subscription fees, just ads

Filmzie

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (20)

Filmzie

Filmzie offers a well-designed platform for streaming movies from independent filmmakers and studios. Its curated collections include Directed by Women, Asia’s Top Cinema, Cuddle-Up Comedies, and Independent Cinema. With over 20 genres, trending, new, and popular titles are neatly organized into sections, making browsing a breeze. The site’s standout feature is its wide selection of unique and lesser-known titles, perfect for discovering fresh content. Famous films include Frankenstein Created Bikers, The Maid, The Babysitters, and Raven, with trending picks like The Frame and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. The website and app offer similar seamless functionality.

Content

Movies, TV shows

Accessibility

Free with ads

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, web browsers, Smart TVs

Key Features

- Free to use - Supports independent filmmakers - Community-focused with user ratings - Curated film collections

Redbox

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (21)

Redbox

Redbox, primarily known for DVD rental kiosks, provides free movie streams via its website and app. Though the user interface is simple and lacks sorting options, it’s still a fallback when other services don’t deliver. You can browse their collection by genre, including unique categories like Faith-Based. Redbox highlights popular titles and those soon to be removed. Recent additions include Filth, Support the Girls, Take the Waltz, Hammer of the Gods, The Eyes of My Mother, and White Bird in a Blizzard. Despite limitations, it’s a handy option for varied streaming content.

Content

DVDs, Blu-rays, 4K UHD rentals, and streaming content (movies and TV shows)

Accessibility

Physical kiosks located across the U.S. and streaming via Redbox On Demand

Supported Devices

Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and web browsers

Key Features

- Rent or purchase movies digitally or via physical media - Thousands of kiosks across the U.S. - Exclusive movie rentals not available on other platforms - No subscription required

Crunchyroll

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (22)

Crunchyroll

Manga enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on Crunchyroll, an American streaming platform introduced in France in 2013. While many Japanese anime series and movies require a Premium subscription, some are free if you explore the site, as there’s no specific filter for free content. Accessible via a web browser or mobile app (iOS/Android), Crunchyroll lets you stream shows in their original language, often with French subtitles. Additionally, the platform offers manga reading directly in the browser and games for those seeking a break from watching anime.

Content

Anime, manga, drama, and Asian content

Accessibility

Accessible with ads or through a premium subscription for an ad-free experience

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, web browsers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV

Key Features

- Simulcast anime episodes - Manga reader - Offline viewing (premium) - Ad-free (premium) - Large catalog of subtitled and dubbed content

Fawesome

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (23)

Fawesome

Fawesome is a global streaming platform compatible with LG TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, iOS, and desktop browsers. It boasts a diverse selection of films across genres, from modern rom-com to classic westerns, as well as some popular anime series. The best part? You can enjoy all the content without signing up. Download the app, hit play, and you won’t be bombarded with unwanted emails or spam.

Content

Movies, TV series, and documentaries across multiple genres

Accessibility

Free to access with ads

Supported Devices

iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, web browsers

Key Features

- Over 10,000 movies and TV shows - Curated playlists - HD streaming - Personalized recommendations

The CW

23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (24)

Google Play Store

The CW is an American TV network, not a streaming service, known for its binge-worthy, trashy shows. Want to spend an afternoon watching something absurd? Every episode of Riverdale is a wild ride. Looking for a historical drama with botched facts and American accents? Salem is perfect. The CW features the latest network offerings, but some notable movies are missing. Although streaming is US-exclusive, a VPN could help bypass this restriction since no account is needed to watch. If you crave guilty pleasure content, the CW is your go-to for mindless entertainment.

Content

TV shows, movies, and exclusive original series

Accessibility

Free with ads; no subscription or login required

Supported Devices

Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, web browsers, smart TVs

Key Features

- Full episodes available next day after airing - Live TV streaming for select markets - Exclusive content, including The CW Seed originals

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    23 best websites to legally watch free movies online (2024)

    FAQs

    Is there a legal way to watch movies for free? ›

    Kanopy is one of the few ways to legally stream foreign and indie movies for free. And yes, it's true, Kanopy is 100% free — if you have a current and valid library card. After you link your library card, you can then stream up to 10 free movies on the platform every month.

    Is watching movies on illegal website illegal? ›

    Can I be sued for watching a movie on an illegal streaming website? Yes, copyright holders can sue individuals who watch copyrighted content on illegal streaming websites, but the likelihood of being sued as a viewer is relatively low compared to those who upload or distribute copyrighted material.

    How are sites like 123Movies legal? ›

    The legality of using 123Movies mirror sites depends on your country's copyright laws. Some countries don't have specific rules to regulate copyright infringement and piracy. However, streaming or downloading pirated content is illegal in most countries.

    Is it illegal to watch 123Movies? ›

    Yes, 123Movies clone sites are associated with numerous security and privacy risks. In particular, these are malicious ads and pop-ups, spoofed links, and malware-infected download files. On top of that, using such sites is illegal in many regions. Read this article to learn more about these threats.

    What are some unblocked movie sites? ›

    What are the top unblocked websites for streaming movies?
    • The Flicker.
    • Flicks HQ dot 2.
    • hdtodaytv.nl.
    • HuraMovies.
    Jul 22, 2024

    Do people get caught for illegal streaming? ›

    Engaging in or facilitating illegal live streaming is not a minor infraction—it's a direct violation of copyright laws that can lead to hefty fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. For viewers, penalties can range up to $30,000 for accessing pirated live content.

    Is watching SOAP2DAY illegal? ›

    No, SOAP2DAY isn't a legal online movie website and anyone caught using it to access or distribute content could also be heavily punished by international agencies.

    Is MyFlixer illegal? ›

    Some MyFlixer sites have an Android app, and you're invited to install this via an . apk installation file. Needless to say, this is probably not safe and should be avoided. Fake virus warnings can trick you into installing pretend security apps or browser add-ons, which are actually malware.

    Is there a better site than 123Movies? ›

    Flixtor. Out of all the sites like 123Movies that work, Flixtor has to be one of the best. The website has UI and functionality similar to 123Movies, with an even great quantity of free movies and TV shows. This free online movie streaming movie site is well known for its compatibility, fast speeds, and low ad-spam.

    Can I trust 123Movies? ›

    123Movies mirror sites are riddled with ads, pop-ups, misleading links, and potentially malicious software. Since there's no way to tell who's behind a clone and their motives, it's wise to protect yourself online. You can avoid these risks by opting for a safer 123Movies alternative.

    What is the safe alternative to 123Movies? ›

    A safer alternative is an option that is less hazardous for workers than the existing means of meeting that need.

    What is 123Movies called now? ›

    The original name, and URL, was 123movies.to, which changed to other domains including 123movies.is before redirecting to gomovies.to and later gomovies.is. It was changed to gostream.is, and then to memovies.to, before changing to 123movieshub.to/is and remaining there until shutdown.

    Is 123Movies gone? ›

    Due to the illegal nature of the website/service, 123movies was taken down. Since then, many alternatives to 123Movies have cropped up. You will also find 123movies proxy sites that offer similar content. However, since free streaming websites violate copyright laws, we recommend accessing them at your own discretion.

    Where is the real 123Movies? ›

    Does 123Movies Still Work? You can still watch 123Movies content through clones and mirror sites, but the official 123Movies no longer works as it was taken down by authorities due to copyright reasons. These 123Movies domains are run by third parties not affiliated with the original 123Movies.

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